About Crowninshield Island

5 acres

This intimate outcropping features a short loop trail and is ideal for families, who can reach the island by boat or, at low tide, on foot across the shallows.

What makes Crowninshield Island a special place?
We think it’s the humble island’s location within one of the most spectacular coastal settings in the Northeast: Marblehead Harbor. Crowninshield (formerly named Brown’s Island) has served as a comfortable and familiar saltwater playground for generations of locals. It was Louise DuPont Crowninshield, a summer resident for decades on nearby Peach’s Point, who donated the island, which has been a Trustees reservation since 1955.

You can experience the same enjoyment of wading through the shallows, exploring the modest (5-acre) island, and basking in the beautiful locale. Explore saltwater pools full of interesting shells, tidal plants, and creatures. The island features a sandy beach, small open field, and modest woodlands. Migrating birds rest and feed along the shore, while striped bass chase baitfish through the shallows.

A south-facing lawn is especially picnic friendly. Wander along a short loop trail past rocky outcrops that offer wondrous views of the harbor, other small islands, and 17th-century Fort Sewall.

Trails
A short footpath leads walkers around the 5-acre island.

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of ½ hour. If walking across the dry channel at low tide, for maximum time on the island, arrive one hour before dead low tide and leave by one hour after.

Regulations & Advisories

• If accessing the island by foot, for maximum time, plan to arrive one hour before dead low tide and leave by one hour after.
  
  
• Dogs must be leashed at all times.
  
  
• Water craft may not be launched from the property. Landing only.

Directions

Dolliber Cove
Marblehead, MA
Telephone: 978.526.8687
E-mail: neregion@ttor.org

From Rt. 114 South, turn left onto West Shore Dr. (turns into Beacon St.) and follow 3 mi. to Harding Ln. From Rt. 129 North, turn right onto Atlantic Ave. (later turns into Essex St., then Washington St., then Orne St., then Beacon St.). Continue to Harding Ln. From the end of Harding Ln., access the island at low tide by foot. Roadside parking is limited and very restricted.

Admission

When to Visit
Year-round, daily, sunrise to sunset. Allow a minimum of ½ hour. If walking across the dry channel at low tide, for maximum time on the island, arrive one hour before dead low tide and leave by one hour after.

Admission
FREE to all.

Property History

Property Acquisition History
Gift in 1955, with endowment, of Mrs. Francis B. Crowninshield.

Volunteer Opportunities

Work Parties

Maps and Resources

There is not a map available for download at this time.

Planning Your Visit

Travel Links
Essex National Heritage Area
North of Boston CVB
Cape Ann.com
Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce
North Shore Chamber of Commerce

Before You Go
We encourage you to visit as many Trustees properties as you can.

Wherever your travels take you, please observe all posted regulations, follow special instructions from property staff, and keep in mind the Stewardship Code:

• Protect wildlife and plants.
• Guard against all risk of fire.
• Help keep air and water clean.
• Carry out what you carry in.
• Use marked footpaths and bridle paths.
• Leave livestock, crops, and machinery alone.
• Respect the privacy of neighboring land.
• Enjoy and share the landscape with others.

Click on links below for further visitor information:

Before Setting Out

Enjoying Trustees Reservations

Safety

About Hunting on Trustees of Reservations Land

Tell Us What You Think

We’d love to hear about your visit. Click here to take our visitor survey. If you have a question for us about this reservation, you can use this form to send it to us, too.

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